MIP in California?

[Kelvin300]

What is the name of your state? California
I am 19 years old and was given a citation for MIP of alcohol in Turlock, California. This is my first and only offense. The code and section given on the ticket is 2566Z(a). I was at wondering at what type of fine or punishment I am going to get? In addition it says I have to be finger printed and complete the booking process prior to court appearence.What is involved with the booking process? When asked the officer he said if i wish to contest the fine i have to go to court, but why do I have to go through the booking process? But if I receive the ticket in the mail do I have to appear in court or can I just pay the fine?

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Kelvin300

What is the name of your state? California
I am 19 years old and was given a citation for MIP of alcohol in Turlock, California. This is my first and only offense. The code and section given on the ticket is 2566Z(a). I was at wondering at what type of fine or punishment I am going to get? In addition it says I have to be finger printed and complete the booking process prior to court appearence.What is involved with the booking process? When asked the officer he said if i wish to contest the fine i have to go to court, but why do I have to go through the booking process? But if I receive the ticket in the mail do I have to appear in court or can I just pay the fine?

The fine for B&P 25662(a) is: "a fine of two hundred fifty
dollars ($250) or the person shall be required to perform not less
than 24 hours or more than 32 hours of community service during hours
when the person is not employed or is not attending school."

The booking process generally consists of photos and prints. This is usually done in the jail but it is possible the court has a room set up for the bailiff to take care of this. The booking process is because the offense is a misdemeanor and to appropriately record the arrest and trial information, you have to be booked.

If you receive a notice in the mail it will explain your options. If it permits you to pay a fine and forget the rest, then by all means, do it.

- Carl

[Kelvin300]

When I complete the booking process does this mean my insurance for my car can go up? Or will it effect me when i apply for a job?


Also, the beer was not really mine I tryed to explain this to the officer but he did not want to hear me out. He just saw me take a sip and give it back. Because I was around the alcohol I am guilty? Will this argument even work in the court?

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Kelvin300

When I complete the booking process does this mean my insurance for my car can go up? Or will it effect me when i apply for a job?


Also, the beer was not really mine I tryed to explain this to the officer but he did not want to hear me out. He just saw me take a sip and give it back. Because I was around the alcohol I am guilty? Will this argument even work in the court?

I doubt it will effect your insurance, and unless you are asked for any convictions, it shouldn't effect any job hunts. In fact, employers cannot directly access your state criminal history. And this is about as low level an offense as they get.

Whose beer it was is irrelevant - all that matters is that you had dominion and control of it. In fact, everyone who picked it up or even had immediate access to it could be cited. Ownership does not matter for possession.

- Carl

[Kelvin300]

Is 250 dollar fine a maximum fine that I car receive or the minimum fine I can receive?
Thank you in advance.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Kelvin300

Is 250 dollar fine a maximum fine that I car receive or the minimum fine I can receive?
Thank you in advance.

I believe it is the maximum. However, they CAN tack on fees and assessments so it may be closer to $400 all told.

- Carl

[Kelvin300]

its been a few months now and i have not received any information about my ticket that i received, and my court date is next week. Does this mean that I definately have to show up to court?

Another question is that I was looking at my ticket more carfully and I noticed the officer marked traffic at the top of the ticket. what does this mean?

If i decide to fight this ticket and the officer does not show up to court would i automaticaly win?

Thank you

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Kelvin300

its been a few months now and i have not received any information about my ticket that i received, and my court date is next week. Does this mean that I definately have to show up to court?

Another question is that I was looking at my ticket more carfully and I noticed the officer marked traffic at the top of the ticket. what does this mean?

If i decide to fight this ticket and the officer does not show up to court would i automaticaly win?

Thank you

Do NOT miss the court date! If you must, call the court to confirm the date. If you do, note the date and time you called and the name of the person you spoke with who told you not to show up. Best bet is to just show up when you are supposed to.

If he marked the Traffic box, that should indicate that the citation was for a traffic violation ... in some counties it might signify that it is supposed to go to Traffic court. Traffic Court handles these matters in many counties anyway.

If this is your first appearance on the cite then it is the arraignment and the officer will not be there. The court asks for a plea of guilt or innocence and then they schedule a date for trial if you want to fight it.

- Carl